Dentons Chile

Dentons Chile’s water law department routinely advises individuals, companies and user organisations on their water rights. Representative experience for the five-member group covers the constitution and obtaining of water use permits, as well as defence-side contentious proceedings. Innovative areas for the team range from hydrogeological modelling, seawater extraction-plant developments and supply source changes, to groundwater detection, purchasing water rights, and aquifer recharge. One of the founding members of the Chilean Water Law Association, practice head José Ignacio Morán focuses on the water supply for mining projects and operations, groundwater exploration and exploitation, the constitution of water rights, representation during administrative and judicial proceedings, and advice on relations with water-users’ organisations; while José Domingo Villanueva (promoted to partner in January 2023) advises on water law issues (in addition to environmental law). Within the associate ranks, senior Jaime Cruzat assists with the use, acquisition and constitution of water rights, while Cristián Vial advises companies on their water rights.